Specializing in Appeals and Post Convictions in Illinois and Federal Courts.
Thomas Brandstrader is one of a select group of highly qualified lawyers to be certified by the Illinois Supreme Court as lead counsel in death penalty cases. In addition to 29 years in the practice of criminal law and extensive trial work, Mr. Brandstrader has exceptional appellate court experience. He has had the distinct opportunity to orally present his arguments and issues to both the Illinois Appellate and Supreme Courts. He has authored over two-hundred briefs.
Practice areas
Specializing in the defense of serious criminal matters in Illinois and federal courts
42 years
Authored over two-hundred briefs and appeared in every appellate district in Illinois as well as the Seventh and Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
Languages spoken
English
Thomas C. Brandstrader
53 West Jackson Boulevard Suite 1624
Chicago, IL, 60604
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
IL | Active And Authorized To Practice Law | 1981 | 12/06/2020 |
CA | Inactive | 1980 | 10/28/2020 |
Legal answers | 0 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
Leading Lawyer | Leading Lawyers Network | 2019 |
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell® | 2019 |
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell® | 2018 |
Leading Lawyer | Leading Lawyers Network | 2018 |
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell® | 2017 |
Leading Lawyer | Leading Lawyers Network | 2017 |
---|---|---|
Leading Lawyer | Leading Lawyers Network | 2016 |
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell® | 2016 |
Leading Lawyer | Leading Lawyers Network | 2015 |
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell® | 2015 |
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell® | 2014 |
Leading Lawyer | Leading Lawyers Network | 2014 |
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell® | 2013 |
Leading Lawyer | Leading Lawyers Network | 2013 |
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell® | 2012 |
Leading Lawyer | Leading Lawyers Network | 2012 |
Leading Lawyer | Leading Lawyers Network | 2011 |
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell® | 2011 |
Leading Lawyer | Leading Lawyers Network | 2010 |
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell® | 2010 |
Leading Lawyer | Leading Lawyers Network | 2009 |
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell® | 2009 |
Leading Lawyer | Leading Lawyers Network | 2008 |
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell® | 2008 |
Leading Lawyer | Leading Lawyers Network | 2007 |
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell® | 2007 |
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell® | 2006 |
Leading Lawyer | Leading Lawyers Network | 2006 |
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell® | 2005 |
Leading Lawyer | Leading Lawyers Network | 2005 |
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell® | 2004 |
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell® | 2003 |
Appointed as Lead Counsel for Capital Litigation Cases | Illinois Supreme Court | 2002 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Thomas C. Brandstrader Attorney at Law | Thomas C. Brandstrader | 1986 - Present |
Cook County Public Defender | Public Defender's Office Chicago Illinois | 1981 - 1986 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Federal Defenders Association | Member | 2003 - Present |
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | N/A | 1988 - Present |
Illinois Attorneys for Criminal Justice, Lawyers' Assistance Program | N/A | 1988 - Present |
Public Defender Negotiating Committee | N/A | 1987 - Present |
Illinois State Bar Association | N/A | 1980 - Present |
Public Defender's Union | Treasurer | 1987 - 1987 |
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Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Illinois Appellate Decisions - over 90 published appeals | Illinois Appellate Decisions | N/A |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Western State College of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1979 |
University of Illinois; San Diego State University | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1976 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Presented oral arguments in both Illinois Appellate and Supreme Courts | Defendent's Felony Murder | 2003 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
FIRST DEGREE MURDER AND JURY TRIALS |
Andrew Gable, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 5, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Tom is an excellent and well respected lawyer. I highly recommend him.
Jerry Bischoff, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 28, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. There are a lot of young lawyers on this site with higher ratings which mystifies me, because they are not in Tom's league. One of the best lawyers in the city. He handles serious felonies and wins. Great lawyer.